MacDowell's Sea Snake
Hydrophis macdowelli
A rarely documented sea snake from the Bay of Bengal region, named in honor of a herpetologist who studied elapid snakes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean
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Overview
MacDowell's sea snake is a poorly known marine elapid recorded from coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and surrounding parts of the northern Indian Ocean. It is one of several regionally restricted Hydrophis species described from historical museum specimens collected in South Asia.
Due to its rarity in collections and limited field observations, much of its natural history remains inferred from closely related, better-studied sea snake species in the same genus.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body typical of the Hydrophis genus
- Pale grey or olive base color with darker crossbands or blotches
- Smooth, overlapping body scales
- Head narrow and only slightly distinct from the neck
- Laterally flattened, paddle-shaped tail for swimming
- Adults typically reach 0.6-0.9 m in length
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and adjacent northern Indian Ocean, likely over soft sediment substrates near river mouths, though detailed distribution data remain limited.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed to feed on small fish along the seabed in a manner similar to related Hydrophis species. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young likely born at sea, consistent with the broader genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is MacDowell's sea snake venomous?
Yes, like other Hydrophis species it possesses neurotoxic venom.
Where is MacDowell's sea snake found?
It has been recorded from coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and the northern Indian Ocean.
How big does MacDowell's sea snake get?
Adults are estimated to reach approximately 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft) in length.
Why is little known about MacDowell's sea snake?
It is rarely collected or observed, so much of its biology is inferred from closely related species.
MacDowell's Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding MacDowell's Sea Snake.
